MAY 25, 1938

WASHINGTON, Tuesday—Strange slips occur even in the best of regulated households. As we were
about to go into dinner last night, we discovered that when I had seated the table,
I had not included Anne and Johnny in our dinner list! After all our guests had arrived,
I had to have two places added and shuffle all my seating cards around. I had the
feeling that I would probably find members of the same family sitting next to each
other, for we had not only husbands and wives, but also brothers and sisters. However,
I apparently made no slips and we filed into dinner about 10 minutes late.

After dinner we sat and talked a little and then our guests for the dance, which we
give each year for the members of the newspaper fraternity, began to arrive. Mr. Ruby
Newman's orchestra played for us and the music was excellent. Miss Vandy Cape, Miss
Chaney and Mr. Fox proved to be much appreciated interludes in the dancing. I always
feel happier when I have some members of my own family to help watch any party and
Johnny and my brother, Hall, were very useful last night.

Members of the Cabinet drifted in and out. Everyone seemed to have a good time, in
spite of a shower in the early part of the evening which made going out of doors exceedingly
dampish.

The President went upstairs about eleven-thirty. I have a theory that parties should
end when everybody is still apparently having a good time, so, at 1:30, "Good Night
Ladies" was played and everyone bade me goodnight.

Showers again all day today and another postponement of the Veterans' Garden Party.
I think the weather man has decided I need to learn how to adjust myself to constant
changes. I hope that by tomorrow he will think I have had enough discipline, for I
really would like to have this party before June.

Because of various delays I was very late this morning for a meeting in the Bureau
of Education at the Department of the Interior. Assistant Secretary Oscar Chapman
presided with Dr. Studebaker beside him. I was very much interested in the replies
made by the heads of the various resident institutions for handicapped children in
different states when they were asked what subjects they felt should come up for discussion
in addition to those listed on the agenda. I gathered the impression that one of the
things they all desired was more personal interest from the residents of their communities
and a better understanding of the work which they are trying to accomplish.

If communities obtained more knowledge, more interest in the education of handicapped
and delinquent children would be assured in the state legislature and the entire population.
The proposition is the same as the individual's duty to understand the agencies for
public service in his community so that he may perform the responsibilities of citizenship.